IWC JOURNAL: How to care for your IWC watch

The Journal

How-to tips for your IWC watch

Read Time: 2 min

Close up of IWC watch with blue dial and stainless steel case

Anyone can wear a watch, but true timepiece lovers know it’s more than just strapping it on. Join us as The Journal visits watch enthusiast Justin Hast at the IWC Boutique on Bond Street, London, where he tackles your most pressing watch care questions. From winding to cleaning, our six-part “How To...” video series covers it all.

HOW TO WIND YOUR WATCH

Whether winding is part of your morning routine or a nightly ritual, those 20–30 crown twists are key. In episode one, using the Portugieser Automatic and Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, Justin Hast shows you the right way to wind and why you should always take the watch off first.

*Pro tip: For watches with IWC’s 82000-calibre movement, turn the crown anti-clockwise.*

Close up of IWC watch with white dial and stainless steel case

HOW TO SET THE DATE

Never set the date between 9 PM and 3 AM – it can mess with the jumping mechanism. Here’s another trick: set the date for the day before. Want to know why? Tune into episode two with Justin Hast to find out.

Male hands winding an IWC watch with black dial and stainless steel case

HOW TO KEEP YOUR WATCH SAFE

Theft and Mother Nature are threats to your timepiece, but don’t worry. In episode three, Justin Hast offers tips on how to protect your watch from sticky fingers and bad weather, whether at home or on the road.

Watch journalist Justin Hast with grey polo shirt standing in front of an office desk

HOW TO ADJUST YOUR MILANAISE BRACELET

The Milanaise bracelet, seen on select Portofino models, is all about Italian elegance and comfort. Justin Hast shows how to adjust it for the perfect fit in episode four, ensuring your Portofino stays secure and stylish.

Clasped male hands on desk wearing an IWC watch with white dial and Milanaise steel bracelet

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR LEATHER STRAP

Your IWC leather strap, handcrafted by Santoni, deserves the same care as fine leather shoes. In episode five, Justin Hast explains how a bit of cream, a cloth, and some common sense can keep it looking sharp.

IWC Portofino watch with moonphase, grey dial and dark brown calfskin strap

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WATCH

If you wear your watch often (as you should), it’ll pick up some dirt. In the sixth episode, Justin Hast shares a simple cleaning routine – no soap needed, just water and a little effort to keep your watch looking its best.